Bridgend-based regeneration charity goes into administration with the loss of more than 20 jobs

Doug Dixon, chairman of the Llynfi Valley Rivercare and Environment Group, said the closure of Groundwork Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot was ‘a huge loss’

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A Tondu-based charity, which has supported a wealth of regeneration projects across the county borough during the past 25 years has gone into administration – with the loss of more than 20 jobs.

Groundwork Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot (BNPT) was placed into administration after the charity’s trustees sought the advice of insolvency advisors BDO LLP, during the past fortnight, WalesOnline has learned.

The charity, which has been based at the historic Victorian Ironworks at Parc Tondu since it reclaimed and refurbished the building as part of the Changing Places programme, was one of a network of 22 independent charities comprising the Groundwork Federation.

Originally formed as Ogwr Groundwork Trust in 1989, it operated under the wider umbrella of Groundwork Wales alongside Groundwork Caerphilly, neither of which are affected by this latest development.

Katy Stevenson, acting chief executive officer at Groundwork Wales, said the “difficult” decision was made as it became increasingly apparent that the organisation was “no longer viable.”

It is understood that while some members of staff have taken on new roles with Groundwork Wales, at least 24 employees have lost their jobs.

In a statement to the Gazette, Groundwork’s national chief executive Graham Duxbury said the company employed 33 people and a number of part-time and sessional workers, and that nine had been employed on new or existing projects for Groundwork Wales.

Mr Duxbury said: “This has been a difficult but responsible decision, taken in light of the challenges being experienced by Groundwork Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot in achieving financial viability.

“Groundwork, like all charities adjusting to public spending reductions and new contracting regimes, is continually reviewing its structures and operations to ensure it is in the best possible position to meet the increasing demand for its services.

“While recognising that this decision affects a number of highly talented and dedicated staff members, the board of trustees at Groundwork Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot has acted decisively and responsibly to ensure that as many existing commitments as possible are protected and communities in Wales will continue to get the support they need.”

Neither Groundwork Wales nor BDO LLP have clarified the impact of the decision on the iconic Ironwork site, which was occupied by Groundwork BNPT.

It is also unclear which projects established or assisted by Groundwork BNPT will continue once the organisation is wound up.

Doug Dixon, chairman of the Llynfi Valley Rivercare and Environment Group, said the closure of the charity was “a huge loss to the community.”

“Our projects will continue,” said Mr Dixon.

“We weren’t totally reliant on Groundwork but the decision will affect us quite a bit because they were always very supportive of our projects and we were hoping they would take on some of our future projects.

“It’s very sad news, a real shame. I don’t think people realised just how much they did in the area, but they were working here, there and everywhere and they were a really valuable asset, not only to the local community but to the whole of South Wales.

“Bridgend County Borough does have a lot of run-down areas and they were doing nothing but good here. They were very much at the front of regeneration of the area, so it is disappointing.

“I also really feel for those people who have lost their jobs as a result, because they made a real difference.”